Posted to News on 21st Feb 2018, 13:40
New crossed-roller bearing ball-screw linear stages
Aerotech's new ATX series linear positioning stages are convenient for integrating with machines or they can be used as standalone positioning axes. With travel lengths to 250mm and anti-creep crossed-roller bearings, plus an optional centre-mounted linear encoder for direct position feedback, the linear stages offer an excellent combination of superior precision and versatility. In addition, vacuum- and cleanroom-compatible versions are available, and the ThermoComp temperature compensation technology ensures reliable performance in changing environments.
According to Aerotech, the ATX series linear positioning stages combine the performance capabilities of a high-precision crossed-roller-bearing positioner with the convenience and simplicity of a ball-screw drive mechanism. Outstanding motion performance and a variety of advanced options and features offer superb value and make the ATX series an excellent choice for use in high-performance applications.
Superior performance
Featuring anti-creep crossed-roller bearings and a precision-ground, fine-pitch ball-screw, the ATX series stages boast excellent geometric performance and minimal angular error motion. With up to 250mm of nominal travel, these linear stages offer superior minimum incremental step size and in-position stability compared to other stages that utilise recirculating ball bearings. This makes the ATX series excellent for many high-precision tasks such as vertical positioning of sensors and cameras, optics focusing, and beamline measurement and manipulation applications.
ATX stages offer an integral centre-mounted linear encoder to provide direct position measurement at the stage's moving carriage. The typical effects of backlash commonly associated with screw drives are virtually eliminated when using the linear encoder as a position feedback device. Applications that require exacting work-point performance benefit greatly from the direct linear encoder. Options are available with either incremental (1 Vpp and digital TTL) or absolute output signals.
Design and integration flexibility
The ATX series is designed with a variety of standard features and options that enable them to be easily integrated into a larger subsystem or machine, or to serve as a standalone positioning axis. They mount to both metric and Imperial optical tables and feature a versatile customer mounting interface on the moving carriage to which other positioning stages or equipment can be mounted. Brushless, slotless servomotors, with or without a holding brake, as well as stepper motors are available. The ATX series can be equipped with an optional motor foldback kit in order to reduce the overall length of the stage. This is particularly useful in vertical-axis applications where space is limited. Vacuum- and cleanroom-compatible variants are also offered.
Mitigate thermal errors
Temperature changes and thermal effects are often the most detrimental sources of error in precision machines, and screw drives are particularly susceptible. All ATX-series stages are available with Aerotech's ThermoComp feature, an integrated temperature compensation technology that delivers accurate and dependable positioning performance in the presence of thermal disturbances. It protects the stage from the effects of variable-temperature environments and friction-induced self-heating, ultimately providing stability for the user's process even in extreme industrial environments.
Follow the links for further information and to download data sheets about the new ATX115SL/SLE and ATX165SL/SLE linear positioning stages.
